Borstal Boy
“As a prisoner of war it is my duty to escape.”
Brendan Behan, a sixteen year-old IRA foot soldier, is going on a bombing mission from Ireland to Liverpool during the second world war. His mission is thwarted when he is apprehended, charged and imprisoned in Borstal, a reform institution for young offenders in East Anglia, England.
Where to watch Borstal Boy in United States
Kanopy
Amazon VideoClick a service to open Borstal Boy there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Borstal Boy streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Kanopy | Amazon Video |
| United Kingdom | — | Google Play Movies, YouTube |
About Borstal Boy
Borstal Boy is a 2001 English-language drama film directed by Peter Sheridan. The cast is led by Shawn Hatosy, Danny Dyer, Robin Laing. It has a runtime of 1h 31m. Viewers rate it 6.2/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Kanopy.
Borstal Boy was produced by Dakota Films and Hell's Kitchen and made in United Kingdom and Ireland. It was released on March 22, 2001, and carries a NR certification. Made on a budget of about $0 million, it went on to gross $0 million worldwide.
- Director
- Peter Sheridan
- Writers
- Nye Heron, Peter Sheridan
- Release date
- March 22, 2001
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- NR
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United Kingdom, Ireland
- Budget
- $0 million
- Box office
- $0 million
- Production
- Dakota Films, Hell's Kitchen
Borstal Boy cast & crew
Borstal Boy was directed by Peter Sheridan and written by Nye Heron and Peter Sheridan.
The cast features Shawn Hatosy as Brendan Behan, Danny Dyer as Charlie Milwall, Robin Laing as Jock, Ian McElhinney as Verreker, Eva Birthistle as Liz Joyce, and Mark Huberman as Mac.
Behind the camera, cinematography is by Ciarán Tanham and it was produced by Nye Heron and Arthur Lappin.
Is Borstal Boy worth watching?
Borstal Boy holds an audience score of 6.2/10 from 52 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 31m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, Borstal Boy is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Borstal Boy
In United States, you can stream Borstal Boy on Kanopy, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
Rate & review
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Cast of Borstal Boy
Shawn Hatosy
Brendan Behan
Danny Dyer
Charlie Milwall
Robin Laing
Jock
Ian McElhinney
Verreker
Eva Birthistle
Liz Joyce
Mark Huberman
Mac
Lee Ingleby
Dale
Ronnie Drew
Customs man
Eamon Glancy
Manning
Dennis Conway
Holmes
Patricia Leventon
Landlady
John O'Toole
Whitbread
Borstal Boy — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Borstal Boy in United States?
Borstal Boy is streaming on Kanopy in United States.
▸Is Borstal Boy on Kanopy?
Yes — Borstal Boy is currently available on Kanopy in United States.
▸What language is Borstal Boy in?
Borstal Boy is originally in English, with audio tracks including Irish, English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Borstal Boy?
Borstal Boy runs 1 hours 31 minutes (91 minutes).
▸What is Borstal Boy rated?
Borstal Boy is rated NR. It holds a 6.2/10 audience score from 52 ratings.
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